Freckles are the tiny spots that appear on the face and especially around the cheeks, after exposure to the sun. They mostly affect people with lighter skin.

This is because freckles are part of a pigment known as melanin.

This pigment is what prevents one from getting affected by UV rays from the sun. The freckles appear if there is

They mostly affect people with lighter skin. This is because freckles are part of a pigment known as melanin. This pigment is what prevents one from getting affected by UV rays from the sun.

The freckles appear if there is heavy secretion of melanin on one part of the body. Since people with darker skin have more melanin, freckles tend to affect those with the lighter complexion.

Sometimes, freckles are genetically based. Most people owe their freckles to their parental DNA.

If your parents have freckles, then there is a high likelihood that you will get them too. Although freckles appear to look alike, they come in different colors.

Some of them may be reddish-brown and some tan.

Then one gets prolonged exposure to the sun, the chances that they will get more freckles increase. When exposed to the sun, the freckles often darken and multiply.

Regular application of sunscreen during the periods when there is too much sun like summer time or when one travels to a sunny place will stop the freckles from multiplying.

There are two types of freckles. There are the simple freckles that are caused by genetic or hereditary factors and there are the sunburn freckles which are the ones that are as a result of too much time under the sun.

To differentiate the two is easy.

The simple freckles are often smaller in size and appear as round smooth spots on the cheeks.

The sunburn freckles will often appear jagged and larger. These are also found on the back and shoulders, since these are the parts that are likely to get exposed to the sun.

Apart from those two types, there are the Lentigines. These often affect people who live in areas which experience the four types of seasons, which are spring, summer, fall and winter.

Due to the changes in the weather, some people will tend to get more freckles during summer but they will disappear in winter.

There are ways to prevent one from getting freckle. For people who have more freckles due to hereditary reasons, there is not much that can be done. These kind of freckles are likely to go away as one grows up.

For those who get freckles due to sun exposure, they should try and limit the amount of time that they spend exposed to the sun. Furthermore, they should not have most of their skin left exposed.

Wearing long-sleeved clothes often helps.

They should also use sunscreen when they go out in the sun.

When these are not applicable, there are medical ways to treat freckles.

One can use creams which can be found in most stores. The bleaching components found in these creams make it possible for one to be able to reduce the amounts of color in the freckles, therefore making them less visible. The creams used to do this are not prescribed by a dermatologist, although for those that have higher levels of hydroquinone, the component used to bleach the freckle color, one has to get a prescription.

There are also those who opt for laser treatment. This works by having a dermatologist remove the freckles by use of a laser. When this is the option chosen, one should make sure that they take measures to prevent skin discoloration.

This works by having a dermatologist remove the freckles by use of a laser. When this is the option chosen, one should make sure that they take measures to prevent skin discoloration.

In addition to these methods, one can try using retinoid to try and lessen the appearance of the freckles.

The retinoid is used together with other creams that contain vitamins which help in skin repair. There is also the option of chemical skin peels which are carried out by a dermatologist in the hospital. The thin layer of freckles is peeled off leaving the skin spotless.

There is also the option of chemical skin peels which are carried out by a dermatologist in the hospital. The thin layer of freckles is peeled off leaving the skin spotless.

Below are 2 YouTube videos that explain this a bit more & also a beauty one that shows you how to fake freckles if you don’t have them !! (yep, the World has indeed gone mad!!).

Once you have finished watching, may we suggest checking out this months latest review – it will be found HERE on the Homepage.

As we get older, our skin ‘dries up’ & wrinkles – despite what any beauty company says, there is nothing we can do about it.

Without getting depressing, look back at a photo of yourself 10yrs ago & tell me it doesn’t ! – Despite all we do, we age.

This is where we enter the ‘Degrees of Aging’ – Trying to fight it is not in vain, we just see changes in degrees.

Those that have used sun screen & have moisturized regularly should see a definite difference to those who haven’t. The same way with those that have regularly exercised & eaten well.

So this post (The Basics) looks at how we can help ourselves going forward for the next 10yrs (how scary!!).

Your Bodies Chemicals

Your body produces its own chemicals to make your skin soft and supple and hydrating it naturally.

Over time, the chemical estrogen that provides many of these benefits will decline.

That is why older people have dryer, more wrinkled skin.

You can fight the loss of estrogen in a few ways, but the best is probably to use natural estrogen found in many plants. There are a number of plants that contain estrogen, and your body will be able to process that chemical and help to hydrate your skin a natural way.

Vegetable’s Aging Secrets

Broccoli and Spinach are just some of the vegetables that contain estrogen, and consuming them daily will help keep the wrinkles out of your skin and provide your outer layer with much-needed moisture.

As a bonus, these foods are great for you, giving you essential vitamins that keep you healthy and vital- another key to looking and feeling great at any age.

You can also use creams that contain estrogen. These applications naturally hydrate your skin and keep you looking great with minimal effort. Watch for creams that have hyaluronic acid and glycerin for the best benefit. And if you have oily skin, you definitely want to do everything you can to keep your skin hydrated.

Aging & Fat

Many people are looking to cut out as much fat as possible from their diet.

While this may be great for their body image, a lack of fat can really dry out your skin and cause you to age before your time.

Your body needs the chemicals in fat to give it a healthy glow. Without it, your skin dries up and you can look skeletal.

Particularly, your body needs fatty acids, like those found in Omega 3s.

Foods such as seeds, nuts, salmon and many other kinds of fish all contain this essential fat.

This fatty product works to create suppler, smoother skin. It also reduces inflammation and redness in the skin, creating a more even tone and decreasing skin irritation. Additionally, the fat helps your skin cells rejuvenate faster.

Your cells naturally die and are replaced every so often, and fatty acids are essential to making this process work. These new skin cells are what keeps your skin looking fresh and young.

While the skinny look may be in, cutting all the fat out of your diet will hurt your skin over the long run, and you will be missing out on some of the benefits that these fatty foods can provide.

So there you go, another instalment in my ‘The Basics’ range of posts. Until next time…..

Here is a quick article outlining some of the basics which you may not have seen for some reason; or more likely; you have just plain forgotten!!

Proper skin care is about more than just looking attractive. You can feel better both physically and mentally if your skin is healthy. There are some helpful ideas in the article below that can get you started on a skin care routine that is right for you. Happy skin is healthy and beautiful.

Apple cider vinegar is very beneficial for the treatment of pimples. The cider will replenish moisture where acne has dried out your skin. Do it in the morning as you don’t want to put it all over your bed.

Try alpha-hydroxy treatments to get beautiful skin. Alpha-hydroxy acids are present in several milks, wines, and fruits. These acids help break down protein bonds that make dead skin remain on the surface. Ex-foliate gently to remove dead skin.

If you suffer from facial inflammation and huge pores, eat watercress. Watercress will also help minimize pore size as well as many other positive health effects. Watercress is as good for your whole body as it is for your skin.

Use a cotton ball or makeup sponge to apply your sunscreen. The sponge will spread the sunscreen more evenly and you won’t have to touch the lotion. Apply sunscreen with a sponge instead of your fingertips. This allows your skin to fully absorb the product without having to touch your face with your hands.

Water is very beneficial for the treatment of your skin. Drinking plenty of water keeps your skin moist. This counters damaging sun or other factors and will hydrate your skin and your cells will become more hydrated. This is just one thing that will make for healthy looking skin, which in turn will help a person to look healthier, too.

Check out ingredients on the products you own to stop redness. It’s best to use products with a minimum amount of ingredients. Ingredient overload can wreak havoc on your highly sensitive skin. This can very well make your skin redder. In fact, they could even cause a major break-out.

Make clothing softer by using fabric softener during washing and drying. If your clothes are soft, they will not suck moisture from the skin. This is particularly useful if you are in a dry environment.

Always read the label before purchasing a sunscreen. Different sunscreens can contain vastly different things. The best sunscreens that can keep UV rays that are harmful away need to have an ingredient that’s a broad-spectrum one, like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Check the label for other ingredients that can irritate skin.

Foods that contain Vitamin E are a great way to get healthier looking skin and hair. Vitamin E contains many antioxidants that will help ward off free radicals. Papaya and blueberries are a great source of vitamin E. You may also wish to consider greens which are dark and leafy as an additional source.

Do not hesitate to contact a dermatologist in the event of skin care issues that threaten to overwhelm you. Any skin issue that can’t be resolved at home with a few tried and true methods deserves a trip to the dermatologist. Always consult with an expert when you have exhausted basic good skin care practice to no avail.

This is the 1st part of a series I will be posting – Skin: The Basics.

I am aware that this may seem a bit ‘sucking eggs’; but I do believe we should start very simply! So let’s begin with probably the most important place when it comes to Skin – The Face.

Your face is the first part of your body where age really starts to show.

If you want to avoid premature wrinkles and signs of aging, then you really have to take care of your face & it’s skin.

One of the best ways to do so is through carefully monitoring your daily cleansing routine.

When you wash your face, use gentle, circular motions. Try to massage it rather than scour it. And you should use your fingers or a soft cloth or pad rather than an abrasive scrubber.

You want to treat your skin as though it is delicate. Even though it seems like it can take the abuse of a rough scrubbing and cleansing, which can leave it with a temporary glow, it will age your face too quickly.

If you are not gentle with your face, then you will stretch out the skin and harm the capillaries underneath.

Use a facial cleanser when you clean your face and start from the neck, working upward. This helps rejuvenate your skin and fight off aging effects over time.

Doing this every day helps your skin look fresh and hydrates it, keeping back the dryness that can lead to wrinkles.

Okay, so we have started very simply….but you would be surprised just how many people forget ‘the basics’.

For those of you that are after a bit more – below is YouTube video that gives you all the basics & a few tips (actual Aloe Vera plant!)…I like this as it is very simple, she uses ‘std’ products & her skin is stunning!! Enjoy!